Modesto, USA- The members of The North Modesto Kiwanis Club are proud to announce that Modesto’s Favorite Son and legendary film director and producer, George Lucas, will be the Grand Marshall of their 2013 Modesto American Graffiti Car Show and Festival parade. The parade will take place June 7, 2013 at 7:00. There will be an honorary presentation at 6:30 pm at 10 th and I St. This event will be webcast live at www.modestoview.com
“ We are excited to be able to provide a venue for the citizens of Modesto to honor Mr. Lucas “ explains John Sanders, spokesperson for the Kiwanis Club that presents this event. “American Graffiti, his movie about growing up in Modesto, was released in 1973 and is still popular the world over. We citizens of Modesto are proud of what he has done not only for his hometown, but for people everywhere. We know that his fans will enjoy lining the parade route and letting him know how much they appreciate and enjoy his many accomplishments”.
His career was set in motion by the success of the film American Graffiti. The cruising of 1962 on 10th and 11th streets and the people of Modesto inspired the film that is now listed in the “Top 100 Films” and allowed Mr. Lucas to go on to create his many films including Star Wars and, most recently, Red Tails. Mr. Lucas recently sold LucasFilm to Disney and will now focus on his educational foundation and small films.
The Modesto American Graffiti Car Show and Festival will be celebrating its 15th year in 2013. This is also the 40th anniversary of the release of American Graffiti, the movie. Over 1,000 cars participated in the 2012 car show and over 800 in the Friday evening parade. The Modesto Historic Cruise Route was officially opened at the beginning ceremonies of the 2012 parade. It provides a walking tour of Modesto, its history of cruising, music, and the part played by George Lucas. Lucasfilm and the Lucas family worked closely on the Historic Cruise Route and George Lucas made a promotional video for the tourist and historic attraction. Mr. Lucas also provided video for the Modesto Chamber of Commerce’s 100th anniversary celebration.
“We are honored that George Lucas will be a part of our 2013 event and it shows how important his “growing up” years in Modesto were as a part of his career. Given his hectic schedule and limited private time, this is a rare opportunity for all of us to honor him. This will be a very positive event for our City of Modesto and its citizens”, said Sanders.
The Modesto American Graffiti Car Show and Festival received the Modesto Area Music Association MAMA Award for Best Large Event for 2012. The 2013 car show and festival will be held on June 7, 8, 9, 2013. For more information leading up to the show: www.northmodestokiwanis.org
